Damper architectures

Abstract

A torque transfer assembly includes input and output members configured to transfer torque from a prime mover to an automotive transmission. A torque transfer component, such as a torque converter or a dual-mass fly wheel, and a clutch are coupled to the input member. A torsional vibration damper includes a planetary gear set having first, second, and third nodes. First and second spring engagement elements are connected to two of the first, second, and third nodes. One or more springs contacts both of the first and second spring engagement elements. An outgoing member of the torque multiplying device is coupled to the first node of the planetary gear set, a driven element of the clutch is connected to the second node of the planetary gear set, and the output member is coupled to the third node of the planetary gear set.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A torque transfer assembly configured to transfer torque between a prime mover and an automotive transmission, the torque transfer assembly comprising:
 an input member configured to transfer torque from the prime mover; 
 an output member configured to transfer torque to the automotive transmission; 
 a torque transfer component having an incoming side and an outgoing side, the incoming side being coupled to the input member; 
 a clutch having a driving element and a driven element, the driving element being coupled to the input member; and 
 a torsional vibration damper comprising:
 a planetary gear set having a first node, a second node, and a third node; 
 a first spring engagement element connected to one of the first, second, and third nodes, and a second spring engagement element connected to another of the first, second, and third nodes; 
 at least one spring contacting both the second spring engagement element and the first spring engagement element and configured to permit the second spring engagement element to angularly deflect with respect to the first spring engagement element, 
 
 wherein the outgoing side of the torque transfer component is coupled to the first node of the planetary gear set, the driven element of the clutch is connected to the second node of the planetary gear set, and the output member is coupled to the third node of the planetary gear set. 
 
     
     
       2. The torque transfer assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the torque transfer component is one of a torque converter and a dual-mass flywheel. 
     
     
       3. The torque transfer assembly of  claim 2 , wherein each of the first, second, and third nodes comprises one of the following: a ring gear, a carrier member bearing a plurality of pinion gears, and a sun gear. 
     
     
       4. A torque converter assembly configured to transfer torque between a prime mover and an automotive transmission, the torque converter assembly comprising:
 an input member configured to transfer torque from the prime mover; 
 an output member configured to transfer torque to the automotive transmission; 
 a torque converter having a pump and a turbine, the pump being coupled to the input member; 
 a lockup clutch having a driving element and a driven element, the driving element being coupled to the input member; and 
 a torsional vibration damper comprising:
 a planetary gear set having a first node, a second node, and a third node; 
 a first spring engagement element connected to one of the first, second, and third nodes, and a second spring engagement element connected to another of the first, second, and third nodes; 
 at least one spring contacting both the second spring engagement element and the first spring engagement element and configured to permit the second spring engagement element to angularly deflect with respect to the first spring engagement element, 
 
 wherein the turbine is coupled to the first node of the planetary gear set, the driven element of the lockup clutch is connected to the second node of the planetary gear set, and the output member is coupled to the third node of the planetary gear set. 
 
     
     
       5. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein each of the first, second, and third nodes comprises one of the following: a ring gear, a carrier member bearing a plurality of pinion gears, and a sun gear. 
     
     
       6. The torque converter assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the ring gear, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the carrier member. 
     
     
       7. The torque converter assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the carrier member, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the sun gear. 
     
     
       8. The torque converter assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the ring gear, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the sun gear. 
     
     
       9. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a carrier member, the second node is a ring gear, and the third node is a sun gear. 
     
     
       10. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a carrier member, the second node is a sun gear, and the third node is a ring gear. 
     
     
       11. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a ring gear, the second node is a carrier member, and the third node is a sun gear. 
     
     
       12. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a ring gear, the second node is a sun gear, and the third node is a carrier member. 
     
     
       13. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a sun gear, the second node is a ring gear, and the third node is a carrier member. 
     
     
       14. The torque converter assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the first node is a sun gear, the second node is a carrier member, and the third node is a ring gear. 
     
     
       15. A powertrain for a motor vehicle comprising:
 an engine configured to be disposed in the motor vehicle and having an engine output member; 
 an automatic transmission selectively connected to the engine, the automatic transmission having a transmission input member; 
 a torque converter assembly configured to transfer torque between the engine and the automatic transmission, the torque converter assembly comprising:
 a torque converter having a pump and a turbine, the pump being coupled to the engine output member; 
 a lockup clutch having a driving element and a driven element, the driving element being coupled to the engine output member; and 
 a torsional vibration damper comprising:
 a planetary gear set having a first node, a second node, and a third node; 
 a first spring engagement element connected to one of the first, second, and third nodes, and a second spring engagement element connected to another of the first, second, and third nodes; and 
 at least one spring contacting both the second spring engagement element and the first spring engagement element and configured to permit the second spring engagement element to angularly deflect with respect to the first spring engagement element, 
 
 wherein the turbine is coupled to the first node of the planetary gear set, the driven element of the lockup clutch is connected to the second node of the planetary gear set, and the transmission input member is coupled to the third node of the planetary gear set. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The powertrain of  claim 15 , wherein each of the first, second, and third nodes comprises one of the following: a ring gear, a carrier member bearing a plurality of pinion gears, and a sun gear. 
     
     
       17. The powertrain of  claim 16 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the ring gear, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the carrier member. 
     
     
       18. The torque converter assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the carrier member, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the sun gear. 
     
     
       19. The torque converter assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the first spring engagement element is connected to the ring gear, and the second spring engagement element is connected to the sun gear.